Weather Forecast

Avoid drunk driving this St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is March 17, drivers are reminded not to get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 269 people nationwide have been killed on St. Patrick’s Day in drunk driving accidents from 2007 to 2011. While St. Patrick’s Day is known for many things—corned beef and cabbage, leprechauns and shamrocks among them—it also has the unfortunate reputation of being one of the biggest drinking holidays of the year. In Nebraska, a BAC of .08 or higher is over the legal limit, yet many drivers still make the choice to drive drunk. The cost of this decision may be exacted in many ways, ranging from tragic (a fatality) to inconvenient (a DUI). To prevent a senseless tragedy from occurring, Trusted Choice Nebraska recommends these measures to have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day: • Put a plan in place to safely get home before the festivities begin. • Designate a sober driver and avoid the temptation to drive by leaving your car keys at home. • If too intoxicated to drive, do not get behind the wheel. Call a sober friend or family member; take a cab; or use a safe ride home program—many Nebraska communities have one available. • Do not get into the car with a drunk driver. • If aware that someone is too intoxicated to drive, take their keys and help them make different arrangements to get home safely. • If appears to be impaired on the road, report it to local authorities. Remember that buzzed driving is still drunk driving. Driving while intoxicated will lead to an arrest. This St. Patrick’s Day, make sure to drive sober—or don’t drive at all.